The Hilltoppers scored in every inning of
the game, which was over in five innings.
Chance Payne’s RBI single in the bottom of
the first inning put the Hilltoppers on the
board.
The Hilltoppers took a 5-1 lead in the
bottom of the second inning. Gavin Smith’s
double plated two runs for Mount Pulaski.
Liam Smith also drove in a run on a
sacrifice fly. Payne hit a line drive to
right to score another run for Mount
Pulaski.
The top of the third inning saw El
Paso-Gridley tie the game 5-5.
Lucas Kuhlman put the Hilltoppers in front
6-5 with an RBI single in the bottom of the
third inning. Evan Cooper
also drove in a run. Landon Smith
joined in the fun with a line drive to
center and as Kolin Gibbs crossed home
plate, the Hilltoppers lead was 8-5.
The Hilltoppers continued to pound out the
hits in the fourth inning. Clay Aylesworth
got things started with a lead-off triple to
center. AJ Bailey and Kuhlman walked to load
the bases for Gavin Smith. Smith’s base hit
to left field drove in two runs and the
Hilltoppers had a 10-5 lead. Evan Cooper
drove in Kuhlman to make the score 11-5.
The Hilltoppers kept the hit parade going in
the fifth inning as Bailey smacked a double
and Gavin Smith, Evan Cooper and Jackson
Fricke added singles. Walks to Kuhlman and
Landon Smith helped the offense score four
runs in the inning and end the game via the
10-run rule.
Mount Pulaski’s 17 hits on the day allowed
the Hilltoppers to win in relatively easy
fashion, with the final score 15-5.
Gavin Smith and Evan Cooper each had an
outstanding day at the plate.
Gavin Smith was 3-for-4 with five RBIs and
two runs scored.
Cooper was 3-for-4 with two RBIs and a run
scored.
Landon Smith, Jackson Fricke, Chance Payne
and Lucas Kuhlman were also impressive in
the batter’s box.
Landon Smith was 2-for-4 with an RBI and a
run scored.
Fricke was 2-for-4 with an RBI.
Payne was 2-for-4 with two RBIs.
Kuhlman was 2-for-2 with two walks, four
runs scored and an RBI.
Liam Smith, Clay Aylesworth and AJ Bailey
each had one hit.
Evan Cooper (6-2) picked up the win for the
Hilltoppers. Cooper went five innings,
allowing just two earned runs on five hits.
He struck out one batter and walked one.
Mount Pulaski improved their record to 20-4
on the season.
The Hilltoppers will play at Cornerstone
Christian today at 4:30 p.m.
